Saints extend punter Thomas Morstead through 2018

No matter what the deal, it will look small next to his five-year, $100 million deal.

Still, the Saints did right by punter Thomas Morstead, giving him $21.9 million in his new deal, which ties him to the team through the 2018 season.

Agent Vann McElroy told the Associated Press Morstead will average $3.65 million a year over the final six years of the deal, which would make him the second-highest-paid punter behind Shane Lechler of the Raiders.

Morstead was a dual threat for the Saints last year. He averaged 43.1 yards in net punting, second in the league, with 13 punts downed inside the 20. He also served as their kickoff specialist, setting a record with 68 touchbacks, thanks in part to kickoffs moving to the 35-yard line.

That ability allowed them to use a kicker who can’t kick off in John Kasay, and he responded with a franchise record for points scored.

3 responses to “Saints extend punter Thomas Morstead through 2018”

Speaking of Lechler, I’m going to be very interested to see what the Raiders do. They signed a rookie punter this year who has a ton of upside, Marquette King. Oakland’s website even highlighted King and did a story on him. With Lechler’s contract being so high, would they actually let him walk in 2013? Could be interesting.